dream dinners

I knew that may would melt away as it has been PACKED full of stuff… wondering if I have ever crammed so much into one small month! even still, these last few lingering days have so much going on. my head is spinning! We had a Creative Escape meeting today, and went over all the kits, all the classes, all the ordering, kitting, the preview day (where we have all the volunteers take all the classes- and basically do a ‘dry run’ of the event)… It’s exciting to see how much further ahead we are this year, than we were last… and at the same time, realize how much more there is to do! I love it though! The classes and projects are going to be awesome! We have planned all kinds of new surprises (I love the surprises) and it’s cool that we all know each other better-as a team and can work together so well! the hardest thing is still doing ALL the OTHER stuff that is required in our regular jobs! It’s a lot… but so worth it! So I got home tonight, it was 6:30pm, and I had no idea what I was going to do for dinner and everyone was of course in stage 4 of hunger… so I pulled out the DINO-nuggets and campbell’s soup… as I was waiting for the heating up process to take place, I came up to check on my emails, and noticed these 3 emails from “DREAM DINNERS”…I thought it was so weird. The first one was confirmation of my account. The second was a confirmation of my order, and when it could be picked up… and the 3rd, a receipt… I was to pick up pork chops, pot roast and chicken enchiladas tomorrow between 12-2:30… I had no idea what it was from…as I scrolled a few more emails down, I clicked open an email from my mom… and among other things, it said this:

I have a little surprise for you. As we drove to the freeway I saw the Dream Dinners place again so I called there just now and have ordered you 3 dinners that they are assembling for you. All you have to do is pick them up tomorrow (Thurs) between 11:30 am and 2 pm. They are my treat (hopefully your kids will think they are a treat). If you can't get there for some reason, call them at 641-6050 and work something out. I ordered: 1) pork chops 2) Sunday roast beef 3) chicken enchiladas. Enjoy!!! Let me know how you all liked them and maybe this is something I could do instead of coming down to cook for you. Enjoy!!! XOXOXOXO Mom

All I could do is SOB! THANKS MOM! What a very thoughtful thing to do… nothing would help me more right about now, and lighten my load just enough to make it seem bearable! Then… I sat here wondering why that never occurred to me!! seriously… I think I just make everything SO DIFFICULT!

I did manage to put together some little “thank you” gifts for my kids’ teachers. Tomorrow, school is officially out! I have such an appreciation for my kids’ teachers… they have all been excellent and loving with my kids. I am so thankful for the tremendous effort that they make on their behalf…I got a big fluffy beach towel, some sunscreen and a new magazine! Here’s to hoping they will each spend a day or two sitting, relaxing by a pool in the sun!

You really do have a great mom. That truly is the best thing she could have done for you. She's just so awesome!
I love the teacher gift idea. I'm sure it will be much appreciated! http://jolenegeorge.blogspot.com/

What a great gift from your mom! I love when my mom does stuff like this for me. She only lives a couple of blocks away, but she brings us dinner occasionally or we go there...it's always nice. I can't wait to see all the fun stuff that will be happening at Creative Escape...I'm already excited!

What a great gift from your Mom. When my girls are grown I hope I that thoughtful and intuitive about what they need. Sadly I don't have that w/my own mom...I so don't want to repeat those mistakes!
Thanks for sharing.

Wow, thank you for the GREAT teacher's gift idea! I try to be creative, but it just fails, and I usually end up getting them gift certificates to the teacher's supply store locally. Which was well and good until that went out of business!

That is the sweetest story of your mom! It is so something my mom would do for me....she has repeatedly come to my house just to clean it when I felt completely overloaded! I hope that I have the sense to do the same when my children grow up!

Heidi, you are so amazing! To do such a thoughtful thing for your kids' teachers! Wow! I teach at an urban, very poor school where parents rarely do anything because they feel too poor to do anything. Even if they only had their kids pick a flower, it would mean so much. It doesn't take much to write a simple, "Thank you for your hard work this year with my child." To teachers that is absolute gold! Gold! Yet it doesn't come often--well, it does in the form of hugs from the kids.

Anyway, that is a very clever and thoughtful thank you gift.

Also, I have this cookie recipe that our my husband's Sunday School class is raving over. I know it doesn't equal your chocolate chip recipe, but these kids are absolutely nuts over these super simple cookies. They are very fast, too.

Thanks for some great inspiration! I am totally going to rip you off and make up very similiar teacher appreciation gifts for my kids teachers and aides. I love the art center so much that I am going to make one for my kids and 2 for 2 amazing parent volunteers that work in my classroom. I know they could use a little quiet time this summer also. Thanks for the great ideas. I am off to Target after school tomorrow!

Heidi,
Dream Dinners are awesome! For anyone who is short on time or just doesn't like to cook this is the best. I go every month with a friend and we have a lot of laughs and walk away with great meals. We have saved lots of money on the grocery bill (and the fast food bill as well). How sweet of your Mom!
Love the Teacher gifts.

Unfortunately, I have to go put them together myself but what a wonderful thing. Tuesday I spent 2 hours there and made 14 dinners. They are all in the freezer just waiting for me. What could be better than that? In fact, we're having the chicken enchiladas tonight. Yum!!

Dream Dinners is awesome. I used to go when my son's daycare was over here in the East Valley after work. Now that we take him closer to home in the West Valley, I am sad that they don't have one over there. You will be hooked. And now that they have the service where they prepare them for you-well, nothing tops that. :) Enjoy!!!

I do DREAM DINNERS. They are Great meals and kid friendly. That was the Best gift your mom could have gotten you. Moms always know what you need.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the teacher gift idea. I will be using that for my daughters teachers. I just got towels at target on sale and knew they would come in handy. How is the preg? I can't beleive everything you do!!!
God Bless
Jennie

I just wanted to say that I am a teacher and it's really nice to feel appreciated. With all the pressures from administration and colleagues and students and just plain time restraints it's nice to know that someone thinks we make a difference. And, wow, that is a very thoughtful practical gift any teacher would love!

I guess you didn't need my help this year at CE...noticed Catherine f-e will fly out. Wondering why you didn't use local help.? I guess all I need to do is get published! and brag about it, a lot. That's sad. Can I B on your volunteer list 4 next yr, please?
Your Mom truely spoils you! :) Love your teacher gift idea! My son's kindergarten teacher loves Oprah mag(good choice). Have a great summer! I'll B praying for you and your family around baby delivery time. Best Wishes.

I'm a teacher and can't think of a nicer gift then a fav. magazine with something new (a brand new/clean beach towel) that I didn't have to pick out at the store! We have a no "purchased" gift policy at our school, so I always drool over teacher gifts. Our's have to be homemade, so cookies or a flower tend to be the thing we receive (which is fine). However, I've been teaching for over 15 years and always wish I had a wonderful sb-ing parent in my class...not yet! LOL